[Kansai/Osaka] 'Self Cafe,' with 60 nationwide locations and 80,000 monthly users, partners with Fukuda Gakuen Educational Foundation to introduce a student-exclusive 'Closed Student Discount,' building a new learning third place infrastructure.

Wood Design Park Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Nagoya City, Aichi Prefecture), which operates the unmanned cafe 'Self Cafe' with 60 locations nationwide and over 80,000 monthly users, has commenced the operation of a dedicated 'Welfare Plan' for students of Fukuda Gakuen Educational Foundation (Osaka Healthcare University, Osaka Rehabilitation Professional School; hereinafter 'Fukuda Gakuen').

This partnership is Japan's first attempt to integrate the Self Cafe network, which is becoming established as a social infrastructure, with the framework of university education. It provides an environment where students can learn 'anytime, anywhere, in their own way' as a university-approved welfare benefit.

**Growing Need for 'Learning Third Places'**

'Self Cafe' is a completely unmanned cafe that anyone can easily use without interacting with staff. By purchasing just one drink, users can utilize the space for an unlimited duration.

With the spread of online learning and diversification of lifestyles, the need for 'places where one can concentrate' outside of campus has increased more than ever. With its features of complete power outlets and high-speed Wi-Fi, it already plays a role as a 'living infrastructure' used by over 80,000 people monthly.

The purpose of this partnership is to connect this overwhelming private infrastructure with the university's learning support functions, thereby building a 'next-generation learning environment' that transcends the boundaries of the campus.

**Definition of 'Student Welfare' in the Academic Partnership Model**

We define 'welfare' to support student learning from multiple angles along the following two axes:

* **Environmental Welfare (Provision of Third Places)**: Securing a 'second study room' within students' daily living areas to compensate for a shortage of university study rooms and gaps in travel time. It offers the convenience of immediate use without membership registration, supporting the maximization of study hours. * **Economic Welfare (Closed Operation for Partner Schools Only)**: Providing exclusive benefits, undisclosed to general users, only to students of partnered educational institutions. This builds a system where universities directly support students' daily lives, aiding in a high-quality learning experience.

**Partnership Example: Initiative with Fukuda Gakuen Educational Foundation**

In this partnership, a dedicated multi-use ticket plan has been introduced for students of Fukuda Gakuen who aspire to careers in medical and rehabilitation fields.

* **Operation Form**: Thorough 'closed operation' accessible only to students, provided through a dedicated access route announced within the university. * **Exclusivity**: Specific plan details are kept private, functioning as a special added value exclusively for Fukuda Gakuen students.

**Future Outlook: Affinity between Education and Self Cafe**

Self Cafe is characterized by its ease of use, allowing immediate access when needed without staff intervention, and has now expanded to 60 locations nationwide. Taking this partnership as an opportunity, we will further deepen the 'expansion of educational infrastructure' and contribute to realizing a society where students can learn more freely and richly.

**Features of Self Cafe**

* **Completely Unmanned Operation**: All processes from entry/exit to drink purchase are non-face-to-face. No interaction with people is required, making it easy to use. * **Unlimited Stay Time**: With one drink purchase, users can stay as long as they like. Ideal for studying and working. * **Power Outlets & High-Speed Wi-Fi at All Seats**: Comfortable for PC/smartphone work and online meetings. * **Cashless Only**: Supports transportation IC cards, QR code payments, etc. No cash needed. * **No Reservation/Membership Required**: Easy to use whenever the thought strikes.

As a 'space with just the right distance' that is neither a cafe nor a co-working space, repeat users are increasing nationwide.

**■ Organization & Media Information**

**[Fukuda Gakuen Educational Foundation]**

* **Operating Schools**: Osaka Healthcare University / Osaka Rehabilitation Professional School * **Location**: 1-17-3 Tenma, Kita-ku, Osaka 530-0043 * **Official Website**: https://www.fukuda-gakuen.jp/

**[Self Cafe (Wood Design Park Co., Ltd.)]**

For the latest information on Self Cafe and details on stores/services, please see here.

* **Official Website**: https://selfcafe.jp/ * **note (Updating usage tips as a second desk)**: https://note.com/selfcafe * **Instagram**: selfcafe002 * **X (formerly Twitter)**: https://x.com/selfcafe_mujin * **LINE Official (Add Friend)**: https://page.line.me/368xanjm?openQrModal=tru

**Media Coverage & Buzz**

Self Cafe has been featured in numerous national media outlets.

* Yomiuri TV 'Kansai Joho Net ten.': Introduction of Tenma store utilized in various ways * Nippon TV 'news every.': Self Cafe featured * NHK Nagoya 'Marutto!': Introduced as a new unmanned cafe business model * Tokai TV 'News One'